Tuesday, June 24, 2014

A writing competition for budding conservationists

Pete
Bethune, founder of marine conservation organization, Earthrace, is
a well known figure in international conservation circles. Pete is a world-record holder for the fastest trip around the
world in a powerboat and is an avid supporter of marine life
conservation. He is also the author of two best-selling books. The book Whale Warrior covers
his time in Antarctica and is a treat to read.

Pete believes that youngsters are the key to future success
of conservation. He founded the Earthrace Junior Activists Club in 2008. This
club is run by Earthrace volunteers Alison Banks, Natalie Borghardt and Junior
Activist Captain, 17-year-old Zach Affolter. The club has over 1,200 young
members.

In an effort to encourage a growing network of children and
young people from around the world who care about preserving and protecting the
oceans Pete is launching a writing competition. Anyone up to the age of 18 can submit
an essay or short story of no more than 500 words based on the theme ‘what the
oceans mean to me’. There are four age categories for the ocean
writing challenge: Under 10; 10-12 years, 13-15 years; and 16-18 years.
The first prize is Earthrace remote control boat. Other prizes include a remote
control shark, signed copies of Pete’s book Whale Warrior, Junior
Activist t-shirts, caps, bumper stickers, signed posters, plush Maui’s dolphin
toys and wristbands.